COMMENTARY

Acts 15:1-2, 22-29
The church decided not to require circumcision to be a Christian. Here is the first possible division in the church. The issue was whether it was necessary for a Gentile to become a Jew before becoming a Christian. The problem is given in verses 1-2 and the solution is in verses 22-29. The basic issue was, is a person saved by keeping the Law (circumcision) or by grace? A conference was called at Jerusalem where Peter and James took the position that it was not necessary to be circumcised and thus become a Jew in order to be a Christian. Unanimously the church agreed and sent the decision by letter carried by two prominent leaders to the church at Antioch. The issue was settled and the church became an integrated society of Jews and Gentiles by grace alone.…